Rommel Earns Perdue Leadership Award

SALISBURY, MD---Dave Rommel personifies entrepreneurship.

Beginning his career with his father’s Rommel Electric Company in 1976, he has been a linchpin ever since for business on the Lower Eastern Shore and beyond.

More than 40 years later, his Rommel Construction Group includes companies that specialize in electrical, mechanical, traffic and transit work in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Rommel Chesapeake, Inc. also operates Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealerships in Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania, and Ace hardware stores in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.

The Executive Advisory Council of Salisbury University’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business recently recognized Rommel for his contributions to the mid-Atlantic business community, presenting him with the Perdue Executive Advisory Council Leadership Award.

The honor was bestowed during a reception at SU’s Perdue Hall.

In addition to his success in the business world, Rommel is also well known for his philanthropy in the area. He is a board member of the SU Foundation, Inc., currently serving as a vice chair. In 2017, he and his wife, Patsy, announced a $5.5 million gift for Perdue School initiatives, including a new Center for Entrepreneurship, expected to open in downtown Salisbury in 2020.

He also is active as a judge for SU’s annual student Entrepreneurship Competitions and as a board member for the University’s Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery entrepreneurship program. Together, they provide some $300,000 in funding and services for local business startups each year.

“Dave Rommel is not only a major benefactor of the Perdue School; he also is a role model for our students,” said Dr. Christy Weer, the school’s dean. “His success in business and interest in providing support for the next generation of entrepreneurs are hallmarks for the types of leaders we strive to produce at SU.”

The name of each year’s Perdue Executive Advisory Council Leadership Award winner is engraved on a plaque in the Perdue School. Each honoree also receives a commemorative award.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website.